Background and aims: Innovative analgesics with dual mode of action like Tapentadol (TAP), are often used in late stages of chronic non-tumour-induced pain. We analysed data from GPPR to evaluate TAP usage patterns and their outcomes in real world.

Methods: Patients with chronic pain (spine/low back) on TAP were retrospectively analysed using propensity scoring, for age, gender, chronification and graded pain scale (von Korff). Patients were assigned to 3 groups based on prior treatment, WHO1 non-opioids, 2 -weak opioids and 3-strong opioids (group 1, 2 and 3). The primary endpoint (PE) was % of patients with a ≥50% decrease in pain intensity at week 12, others were modified pain disability index in daily life (MPDI) and neuropathic cardinal symptoms (NCS).

Results: Of 174,222 patients in GPPR, 48,506 (27.8%) received analgesics, with 10,389 (6.0%) receiving TAP. The PE was achieved by 82.5/71.0/60.7% of patients (groups 1/2/3); vs. baseline, similarly in the mPDI 68.7%, 58.7% and 50.0% of patients benefitted,  especially in reduction of sleep impairment,  and other domains like household activities, social interactions and self-care. In the domain of NCS 54.8%, 41.3% and 31.7%, patients benefitted in respective Groups of 1,2 and 3. Generally group 1 exhibited higher/better responses than group 2, which was better than group 3.

Conclusions: Real-world evidence of TAP usage showed robust analgesic efficacy in all groups, however switching to TAP earlier from WHO 1&2 analgesics in chronic pain was associated with better outcomes.

REAL-WORLD EFFICACY OF TAPENTADOL: ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM THE GERMAN PAIN PRACTICE REGISTRY (GPPR)